Overview
This degree program merges the accelerated online Master of Public Administration (MPA) with the Ocean Science Graduate Certificate. This program will provide students who have science or engineering backgrounds with up-to-date knowledge in ocean sciences, public management, and/or policy analysis.
Designed for STEM graduates interested in entering or advancing in public service-related management careers, or developing policy analysis skills that can be used to shape public policy, this program leads to an MPA degree conferred by the University of Rhode Island. This program helps professionals advance their skill sets for a variety of ocean-related career positions such as:
- Federal, State, and Local Agency Management
- Nonprofit Management and Advocacy
- Policy Analysis
- Financial Management
- Municipal Planning
- Program Management
- Contract Specialist
- Grant Writer
Courses
Students pursuing this MPA degree can choose one of two tracks:
Blue Public Management or Blue Policy Analysis
Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $887
Admissions
- Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, engineering, or a similar field (STEM)
- Personal statement
- Online interview
- GRE NOT REQUIRED
*Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission — please contact online@uri.edu before applying to discuss the GPA requirement.
Fall 2024 Dates
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Blue MPA Track Options:
| Track: | Blue Public Management |
|---|---|
| Ocean Science Graduate Certificate | OCG 501: Physical Oceanography OCG 521: Chemical Oceanography OCG 540: Geological Oceanography OCG 561: Biological Oceanography |
| Public Administration and Policy Professional Certificate | PSC 501: Seminar in Public Administration and Policy PSC 502: Diversity and Inclusion in Public Administration and Policy PSC 504: Ethics in Public Administration and Policy PSC 592: Capstone in Public Administration and Policy |
| Public Management Certificate | PSC 503: Problems in Public Personnel Management PSC 506: Seminar in Budgetary Politics PSC 507: Public Finance PSC 573: Administrative Law |
| Track: | Blue Policy Analysis |
|---|---|
| Ocean Science Graduate Certificate | OCG 501: Physical Oceanography OCG 521: Chemical Oceanography OCG 540: Geological Oceanography OCG 561: Biological Oceanography |
| Public Administration and Policy Professional Certificate | PSC 501: Seminar in Public Administration and Policy PSC 502: Diversity and Inclusion in Public Administration and Policy PSC 504: Ethics in Public Administration and Policy PSC 592: Capstone in Public Administration and Policy |
| Policy Analysis Certificate | PSC 505: Public Program Evaluation PSC 510: Critical Topics in Public Policy PSC 524: Seminar in Public Policy Problems PSC 583: Public Policy Analysis |
